Circular (Iowa State College. AgriculturalExperiment Station)

Iowa Agricultural and Home EconomicsExperiment Station Publications

5-1922

Beef Cattle Equipment: Feeding Equipment forCattleW. A. FosterIowa State College

R. E. StephensonIowa State College

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Recommended CitationFoster, W. A. and Stephenson, R. E., "Beef Cattle Equipment: Feeding Equipment for Cattle" (1922). Circular (Iowa State College.Agricultural Experiment Station). Paper 75.http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/iaes_circulars/77

Beef Cattle Equipment: Feeding Equipment for Cattle

AbstractPractically all of the pieces of cattle-feeding equipment described in this circular have been tried out for someyears in the barns and feedlots of successful feeders. They may be ''home built'' and when used will save time,labor and feed and add that much to the possibility of feeding cattle at a profit.

Such feeding equipment as bunks, mangers, self-feeders for both grain and roughage, watering tanks, waterstorage tanks, cattle stocks, shipping crates, scale pens, dipping vats and the like, is necessary; the extent andkind of this equipment will depend upon the circumstances and needs of the individual feeder.

KeywordsAgricultural Engineering, Animal Husbandry

DisciplinesAgriculture | Animal Sciences | Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering

This article is available at Iowa State University Digital Repository: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/iaes_circulars/77

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FEEDING EQUIPMENT FOR CATTLE By W. A. Foster and R. S. Stephenson

Practically all of the pieces of cattle-feeding equipment de­scribed in this circular have been tried out for some years in the barns and feedlots uf successful feeders. They may be ''home built'' and when used will save time, labor and feed and add that much to the possibility of feeding cattle at a profit.

Such feeding equipment as bunks, mangers, self-feeders for both grain and roughage, watering tanks, water storage tanks, cattle stocks, shipping crates, scale pens, dipping vats and the like, is necessary; the extent and kind of this equipment will depend upon the circumstances and needs of the individual feeder.

'Vith each piece of equipment described, except in a few in­stances, a list of materials is given. The cost of the materials cannot he given, because of the great variations in prices in dif­ferent localities. In the case of each piece of equipment, the dimensions may be altered and units changed to suit the special needs of the feedet".

ADYANTAGES OE' CATTLE·FEEDING EQUIPMENT

Cattle-feeding equipment offers several advantages which should be carefully considered. The equipment which savM money will add to the profits in feeding.

Saves Feed. Much gmin may be saved when fed in tigllt boxes or troughs where the animal may dean it up and cannot throw or root it out. 'Vhen once thrown on the ground it is tmmplcd into the manure and lost. unless hogs follow the cattle and pick it up. The waste is enormous when grain is fed on the ground, in low feed boxes, or from leaking mangers. Con­siderable t·oughage,-silage and hay,-is trampled undl'r foot when low, ill-constructed racks are used. 'Veil designed, stt·ongly built racks will preYcnt the animals from pulling out large bunches of ha:y which would he dropped and trampled. They will also pt·eYent the animals from throwing their heads to the side in fly time and dropping silage or other feed.

Reduces Labor. Some ycm·s a~o it was common to sec the small feeder go to the feedlot with a basket full of broken ears of com on his shoulder. The parts of ears were handed to the steers individually. Much time was lost and besides, the grain was partially wasted. .l\Iany grains dropped ft·om the animals' mouths and were lost. 'Vhat was eaten was not thoroly ground, because each steer ate hurriedly in order to get his share. Mod­ern bunks and self-feeders have replaced this hand-feeding

3

method. These are placed near bins, so that the· grain is quickly conveyed and distributed by means of carts, carriers or chutes. The methods of harvesting, curing and storage of roughage have been changed to facilitate labor saving in the feeding operations. Chutes are provided so the hay is quickly 'distrib­uted to the racks and mangers. The use of ensilage has made it possible to pack a large amount of roughage in a small space. The form of ensilage makes it easy to handle by means of carts or carriers.

Conserve.~ illamu·c. In rattle feeding, the manure produced is valuable in building up the soil and maintaining it<> fertility. When cattle feeding is done in barns or about bunks and racks in the feedlot, the manure is saved. Otherwise, much of it would leach, be poorly distributed or wa<;ted.

ESSENTIALS OF CATTLE FEEDING EQUIPMENT

Any piece of cattle feeding equipment, to be practical, useful and efficient, must have some features which are essential. Other features are desirable and add to the value.

Simple Co1utruction. Since catt.Io-feeding equipmerit is usually made by either skilled or unskilled labor on the farm where used, ·simple construction is necessary. It a'•oids the use of a large amount of material, it sa,·es labor, and it permits joints and fastenings which give strength and stability.

Stre11gflt. Fccillot and barn equipment receive.c; rough usa~e, due to the steers pushing and crowding at feed time. All equip­ment should be strongly and securely built to resist the strains placed upon it.

Stability. All equipment which is not anchored or secured to a building should be low down, heavy and wide to insure stability. If light in weight, the bunks or racks are shifted by the cattle, and if narrow or high. they may be easily upset.

Dcpemlablenc.~.~. If :111~· piece of equipment or machinery is to be efficient, it must do its work without getting out of order. Cattle feeding equipment is subjected to rough usage ami if it has parts which may he disarranged and put out of order by the animals, it is not efficient.

OTHER DESIRABLE FEATURES

Cost. ·It is an advantage if the cost of any piece of equipment may be kept down hy using native materials which are avail­able, or by emplo~·in~t used m· !:Ccond hand material.

Low TJp-Iiccp Co.•d. Feedlot equipment should require very little attention in up-keep. When a part is broken, immediate replacement will save further wreckin!l and put it in condition for use at a slight expense. Daily attention is necessary to keep it in good order and to prevent damage by animals.

4

Jlovable. The cattle-feeding equipment used outside of build­ings should be movable. Such pieces as bunks, racks, and self­feeders should be built on sills or skids so they may be moved from one lot to another.

-tlcce.~sible. Racks, hunks and mangers should be located and built so they may be easily served by man and reached by the animals. Stock and dipping vats should be placed so the ani­mals may be easily and quickly corralled and driven into them. The manure pit should be close to the barn and easily reached with a spreader without passing thru many gates and feedlots.

lJurabi'lify. At a slip-ht expense the posts resting on tho ground may be creosoted or painted to prevent quick decay. A little care in selecting durable weather-resisting woods will add to the life of the equipment.

For convenience, the pieces of cattle-feeding equipment will he classified under several heads, namely, mangers, bunks, self­feeders, tanks and miscellaneous.

l\IANGERS

Mangers are built-in re::!eptaclcs for holding feeds from which the animals eat. Their efficiency is measured by the ease in serving, the small amount of space occupied and the reduction of feed waste to a minimum. l<,urthcrmore, the manger should be accessible and inviting to the animal or herd. For conven­Ience, mangers may be classed as wall manget's and center-feed alley mangers. 'Vall-mangers are placed along the wall and reached frcm one side only, while center-alley mangers are accessible from both s!dcs.

\VALL MANGERS

The wall manger may be served from chutes above, using the manger as a feed alley for distribution, or it may be of the bas­ket or rack type with feed box on front. This second kind re­f]Uircs distribution of the grain from the front and of the hay or forage either from the front. or by dropping thru a ~ontinu­ous chute from the mow. The former requires more work in feeding and the latter utilizes valuable mow space for the con­tinuot:s chute.

The wall manger shmn1 in fig. 1 was used some years by the writer with good results. It was used for tie stalls, altho it may be used for loose stock. The box next to the front was con­tinuous. It was used for grain or silage. The low back enables the animals to reach the roughage, clo\'er or alfalfa which was dropped thru the chute to the man:,rer and distributed.

The size, height of front and width of manger or alley should be made to suit the kind and weight of cattle fed. The animals should easily reach the back of the manger when feeding.

5

BILL OF MATERIALS WALL l{ANOER (Fig. 1) (16 foot unit.)

2 stlls, !I joists, !i flooring, 4 front, l trough back,

~2 ft. corner molding. 1 rail guard 4 uprights All Materials S 4 S. :! lbs. 20d nails 3 lbs. Sd nails.

for wall.

!:."x6wxl6'-0w 2"x4''x4' ·0" 1 wxl owxl6' -0" 1 Wxl0Hx16' •0" 1Hx6"x16'-0H

:!Hx8wx16' -0" 2"x.Jtx7' -OH

Oon~n·te~3 cu. ylls. ~t; cu. yrls. for pillars 8 feet apart

MOW JOIST.S

z "JC 4" 4'· 0" o. c:..

Fig. 1. Section or wall manger.

( 5 bags !'cment -< ¥.: cu. yd. sand l 1 cu. yd. pebbles

6

7

CENTER ALLEY l£ANGER

A center feed alley with dirt floor is shown in fig. 2. The feed boxe;;; are placed at the sides with hay racks above. This permits of quick distribution of grain and roughage. The leaves uud seed which drop from the hay fall into the feed box and are not trampled into the bedding and lost for feed.

Tins type of mangcr,-troughs and racks,-i'> extensively used in cattle feeding. The troughs may be set on a concrete curb or on short posts. The former method is more desirable because It retains the manure and will not encourage or shelter rats and mice.

BILL OF !IIATERIALS CENTER ALLEY !\lANGER (Fir. 2) (16 foot length)

Concrete-!! cubic yards.

4 trou~h fronts 2 trough bottoms 2 trough bottoms 2 corner strips

16 joists 16 posts

2 rack bottoms 6 rack frame !! rack fran.c 6 ra("k backs 8 rack hangers, ha("k

20 rack hangers, front 20 rack slats All llaterials S 4 S

Feed Troughs ~··xs-xifi'.o-

2-xl<rxlG'·O­::~xs-xlfi'.o­

:y. "'x~ "'xl6'·0" ~Nx4-x2'·0-

~x6-x2'·0-

Feed Racks 2nxs-x 1 fi' .o- · 2Nx6-xlfi'.o-2nx4-xlli'·O-1-xs-xt r.·.o-2"'x4"'x;j' -0" 2-x4Nxo·.o­::!"x t ... x3'·6"'

BUXKS Two types of feed bunks are 'Shown, one (fig. 3) for ~rrain,

concentrates and silage and the other (fiJ!'. 4) for grain anrl roughage. These bunks are built in conYenient lengths of about 12'-o- each. The width is about 4'-0- for stability.

OPEN GRAIN DUNKS

Four by four posts are used with two-inch flooring and sides. Two-inch matched floorin::r, rcstin::r on 2-xu joists, form the bottom of the bunk. Two by eight inch sides are shown, which give sufficient depth so the !!'rain is not pushed out.

Cross and end bracing of ~x4- is shown, which is ne:::es.o;ary to strengthen the bunks since they recch·e rough usage.

COllBIXATIOX BUXKS

The combination bunks in fig. 4 arc similar to the open hunk, except that a low rack is built over the feed box. Hay, fodder or straw may be placed in this rack in addition to using the feed troughs for grain.

~ J!-./'f.,..., J:"I.F:VATIO/'f• • 5tO:r: E:LE:VATIO.I'f· l•'lg-. 3. BunkM for ~rain, concentrates nnd sllnge.

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-~:e-CTl0/'1 A·A· • 5lll:e- J!-L'eVATlO.I'f • l"le;. 4. Gomblnn\lon b\ln\<s v;h\ch mnr be U~C\1 Cor 0rnln all\! hnr. fagd~r or straw,

9

Long posts are necessary to support the framing for the rack. Two by fours are used for the rack, spaced ten inches apart. This permits a six inch opening, which allows animals to feed .on roughage without pulling out large bunches and dropping them. The troughs catch the leaves which fall from the rough­age and serve for feeding grain.

BILL OF MATERIALS OPEN GHAIN BUNK (Fig. 3) (12 foot length)

6 posts 4 joists 4 cross braces 4 diagonal braces 2 end braces 2 trough sides 2 trough ends 4 bottom 2 bolts All Materials S 4 S. 3 lbs. nails 16d and 20d.

·!(':;:!~::~:3'·0~

2":;:6~:-;4'·0~

:;~~·1'':;:4'·0"

2~x-l"x-V-4~

2"x4"x6'·0" 2"x8"''xl2'-0" ~·xfi"x4'-0"

2~xlO''x12'·0" D. & 1>£. %"x3'-6"

BILL OF MATERIAL FOH COMniXATION BUNK (Fir. 4; (12 foot length)

6 posts 4 joists { diagonal braces 2 end braces 2 trough sides 2 trough enrls 2 topside rails 2 topend rails 1 <'ross tie 5 bottom 2 rack stays

30 rack slats, side 6 rack slats, end All material S 4 S. 8 pounds nails.

4"x4"x5'·6" 2'""xG'"'x4'·0" 2"x4"x4' -4" 2"'x4"x6'·0" 2"x8"x12'-0" 2"x8"x4'-4" Tx6 .. x1 2' ·0" 2''x6"x4'-4" 2''x6"x4 '-o· 2''xlO"xl2'-0" 2"x4"xl2'-0" 2"x4"x3'-6" 2"x4"x3'-0"

FEED RACKS

Feed racks are built for holding forage, such as hay, straw and other roughage. They may be built of a small size which is filled daily, or of a large size which will hold several days' supply. Also, the rack may be mounted on a low down wagon or truck.

The small rack is built like the combination bunk shown in fig. 4 except that it is huilt low down and no troughs are pro­vided for grain. It may be built from fig. 5 by reducing the width to about 4'-0" and the length to 6"-0" or les.'i.

LARGE RACK

A large rack is shown in detail in fig. 6 and may be built 12 to 16 feet long. The frame is built on sills which serve for run­ners when moved from one lot to another. The uprights or

10

Fig. 5. Ln.rge feed rack that wfll hold several days' supply of forage.

posts are 4"x4 • set 4' -0" apart. The slats of the raek are 2"x4", spaced 10 to 12 inches on center. The larger spacing may be used, since the roughage ";ll pack and pull out in small bunches. A large temporary roughage rack is shown in fig. 5. Six posts were planted and a light frame made to support basket. While this rack could not be ·moved readily, it made a service­able rack for several years at a low cost for materials and labor.

-+1--e·-o~-----i•! I I ::fl I 1-o:; 1z CD: I --' 11

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l\ I

~ I I

I

I I '!:I I {I~ -¥~ :c ..... - I _,_-r-1 I 1

1\ I ' t ,.>: ~~ ... p ,r- [J" c_f

I

1\ ~ I

1'<:1 1z+ 6•Hf~ I

1::::=:-t t::::R-:o ..-!-" .:..-r!-+ p:: ~!J::t ~~~---r-t--= ~

----- -z~., ~- .::$"111· IC'o'7nr,-;::...--:::==:-J .!.. - v T' N• etx=~:a-. :e:I..~ A 10 -e.l'U) l!l:l..E:VATtO.N-

FI~. 6. Side and end elevation of large feed rack.

11

BILL m• MA'l't:lliAJ,S SMALL ROUGHAGE lti\IJK (12 foot length)

4 posts 4 side rails 2 side rails 4 end rails 2 end rails 4 frame side 4 frame end

30 side slats G cud slats 3 joists

All materials S 4 S.

4"'x4"'x5'·6'' 2~~6~x12' -0" 2"'x8"x12' ·0'' 2~x6~x4' -0" 2"'xS"x4' ·CY; 2~x6"xi2'-0''

2"x6"x4' -o· 2"'x4"'x5' .(Y'

2"x6"x5' -0" 2"x6"x4'·0''

6 pounds nails 16d and 20d.

BILL OF MATERIALS FOR LARGE ROUGHAGE RACK (Fig. 5) ( 16 foot length)

3 runners 10 posts

4 side rails 4 side rails 4 end rails 4 end rails 2 end boards 2 side boards

2"x6"xi6'-0" cypress 4"x4"x6'-0'' fir or Y. P. 2"x8"x16'-0" fir or Y. P. 2"x6"xl6'-0" 2"x6"x6' ·0" 2"x8"xG' -0" I "x8~x6' -0" I "x8"x12'-0"

FEED RACK FOR WAGON

A feed rack may be built for a low-down wagon which may be filled at the stack or mow and hauled to the feedlot. (Fig. 7.) This saves handling and enables the feeder who has his lots some distance from the barns to save the drudgery of hauling the hay a second time in feeding.

A low-down wagon with movable tongue is used. The rack sills should be raised to permit the front wheels turning under for short turns.

BILL OF lrATERIALS FOR FEED RACK FOR WAGO~ (Fig. 7)

2 pieces sills 2"xiO"x16'-0" 4 " side rails 2"x6"x16'-0'" 2 " end rails 2~x6"x8'-7" !'i " cross rails 2"x4"x6'-0"

10 " uprights 2"x4"xS'-4" 32 " side slats I "x4"x5'·4"

8 " end slats I"xi"x4'-i" 4 '' '' '' l"'x.J."'x:l'-6~ 4 '' " '' 1"'x4"'x2'·8"' 4 " floor joists 2"x4"x3'-2" 3 " '' " I"x12"xl6'-0"

10 U damps %"x3"xl4" 6 lbs. assorted n:lils. !'i 11ills 1 tie 7 end slats

36 side slats All matl'rials S 4 S.

2"x4"x6'·0" Fir or Y. f. 2"'x6-x6' -0"' •' '' '' !?'""'x-l"'x6"-0" '' '' '' 2'"'xl"':t8'·0" '' " ''

10 poun(]s nssorted nails 8d, 16d and 20d.

12

Fig. 7. A feed rack which may be placed on a wagon and hauled from stack or mow to feedlot.

SELF-FEEDER FOR CATTLE

'Vhile the self-feeder has not been generally used in cattle feeding, it has been used successfully for some years by a good many cattle feeders. It consists of a large hopper-shaped bin with troughs at the sides. The grain flows from bin to troughs by gravity as it is consumed by the animals. (Fig. 8.)

fliLL OF MATERIAL }'Olt CATTLE SELF.FEEDER (Fig. II) (12 foot length)

All materials S 4 S. 2 runners 8 posts 4 eross joists 4 joists

100 bd. ft. flooring 12 foot length. 2 braces 2 trough fronts 4 accelerator 8 studs I'! hin ribs 2 girts 4 girts 1 miscellaneous

ISO bd. ft. bin sides 100 od. ft. bin ends

2 ridge 300 bd. ft. roof

2 pair 8-inch strap hinges.

6"x6"'x14'·0· 6"xu'x2' -0" 2"xu'x6'-0" 2"x6'"xl2' -o·

2"x4""x12' ~0" l"xlO"xl2'-0" 2"x6"'x6'-0" 2 .. x6"x5'·0"' 2"x4"xl2'-0" 2"'xUxl~'·O,.

2"x4"x16'·0" l"x10"x12'-0" D. & :M. l"x10"x12'-0" D. & :M. 1 %"xh-x14'·0· l"xl(Y"xl6'·0" shiplap

2 rods :lf:•x6'-4•, washers and nuts. 3 rolls roofing.

20 pounds assorted nails 6d, 8d, 16d nnd 20d.

13

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{ I I D I I I I I

I"=

I Ill -I I II I I '•

f 1 I I I ~.t I I I I I Ill I I I I I I I

<"-~ ~-- "- ...;:_ :;; .... _ ~ -:7 ~ ~ -~- ..... ? I 7 7 -"7-

;---------..:::::::: ~---.-__---...::: t::= ;:::::: ~

~~ '~~·;..~·~ I \~~-AG#i_ -!.~

......... - --- -- -:::::: -::.--: --=...:..-----=-------"7'

• St»r.: • ~L.Z:VATlOI'i•

Fig. 8. Cross section and side elevation of self-feeder for cattle.

14

Fig. 9. Movable selr-feeder.

Two different feeders arc shown in figs. 9 and 10. One is built on runners and may be moved about the feedlot, while the other is not mo,·able; it is set on short posts and shed shelters arr. provided on each side. This latter feeder is filled from the ends while the movable feeder may be filled from the ends or by lifting a section of the roof.

~elf-feeders for cattle should be wide and well braced so they will withstand winds and rough usage. They should be low

Fig. 10. Stationary seiC-feeder, which nltords shelter ns well.

15

down and compact to prevent upsetting. A length of 12 f<>et as shown in fig. 8 will hold ahout 200 bushels of small grain.

WATER .TANKS

An abundm1t supply of water is more important in the feedlot than food. Cattle will subsist longer without food than without water. :Modern improvements have made a good water supply possible without depending upon springs and running stream~, as formerly. .

An elevated storage tank or cistern supplied by a pump from a deep well will furnish water to the farmstead at a small ex­pense after it is installed. The pump may he operated by wind or electric power or by an internal combustion engine.

The storage tank and cistern, and the stock tank and float control will be bricflv described.

Where a hill or ri;ing land is close to the farmstead, a cistern may be built for storag-e of water. It has some advantages O\'cr

the elevated tank in being protected from heat and cold. A storage cistern is shown in fig. 11 which is a popular type for the middle west.

The elevated tank makes the gravity water system possible when no natural elevation is at hand. The tank may be elevated on a timber frame or placed on a masonry silo. The wood tank is used on piling or frame as in fig. 12, and the masonry tank on the silo tower. The former is subject to the weather, while the latter must be carefully built and water-proofed to prevent leaking. The supply pipe to the tank should be well insulated

Fig. 11. Stomge cistern for water supply.

)6

Fig. r~~me~levnted wood tank on Fig. 13. :\lnsonry tnnlt on silo tower.

to avoid freezing. 'Vhen these faults are overcome, this tank makes an ideal storage tank. (Fig. 13.)

A wood tank supported and enclosed in a silo tower has many advantages which make it practical and of sufficient merit for consideration by any feeder needing an inexpensive gravity system. The silo tower is built of small diameter of hollow tile to the height required for the bottom of the tank. A door frame is set in the wall and one or more small windows may be placed for light. This room under the tank may be used as a milk house, pump house or storage for garden and lawn tools.

The tank is supported on an I beam which bears on the tile wall. A wood tank is used and by placing a continuous silo door in the enclosing part of the tower, the hoops may be tight­ened or the tank replaced whenever necessary. .A low comcal shaped concrete l'oof with a scuttle is used. {Fig. H.)

The height of elevation and the capacity of the tank will de­pend upon individual requirements. 'Vood tanks may be se­cured from stock from four to ten feet in diameter and up to ten feet high; large sizes may be secured on special order.

17

The material for the tower may be secured from any hollow block manufacturer who makes silo blocks. The number will depend upon the size.

The tower may be erected ncar the well, but never over a deep drilled well on account of the occasional need of lifting the pump out.

WATER TANK FOR STOCK

The concrete tank needs a brief mention in this bulletin be­cause many tanks are made which do not last. Too little rein­forcement, small slope on the inside and lean mixtures of con­crete have been, in many cases, the faults which cause failure.

The mLxture of concrete must be rich, one part cement, two parts sand and four parts pebbles. 'Vhen bank run gravel is used it should be screened out and be remixed in the proper proportions. Place the con­crete and spade well next to the forms in order to secure a smooth surface.

A four inch slope on the in­side of tho tank, with a smooth wall will save the tank from bursting due to freezing. The expansion will bulge on the top surface as in the freezing of water in a flaring pail or tub.

Proper reinforcing is desir­able. 'Voven wire placed as shown in fig. 15 is usually con­sidered sufficient for reinforc­ing. It is, however. ad ... 'isable to keep on the safe side by using a rod around the top a'l shown. This may be a l;.'t inch to 1;2 inch square rod or ]ar!rer of new reinforcing, or old rod!!, such as silo hoops, bridge rods or hay track. Such old rorls arc vailablc on most farm­steads or may be secured at a small cost from the local junk yard.

All reinforcing should be thoroly embedded in the con­crete. 'Vhcn reinforcing is spliced, it may be overlapped and wired or hooked together.

I -::::_---- ----+----· ----------·

1-"lg. H. Wood tank In silo shell.

18

Fig. 15. Section of stock tank.

When suilicicntly overlapped it need not be wired. Tanks may be built of any shape, circular, square, rectangu­

lar or oval. Any desired size may be made. The efficiency of a tank may be increased by placing it in a

fence line so that it may serve two or more feedlots or fields. This may mean a larger tank, but one supply pipe and drain will serve and reduce the expense of building several tanks.

A concrete platform which extends a few feet out from the tank will prevent t!lC unsightly mudhole or wallow which re­sults from a. leaking tank or from stock splashing .water over the sides.

FLOAT CONTROL

The stock tank requires some device for keeping the water at a constant le\·el. The float controlled valve has solved this problem and it may be installed at a low expense. It is neither freeze nor fool proof and will require constant attention. The float will freeze in winter and not work, and it is easily put out of order bv children and animals.

A float may· be installed at a slight expense which will be both freeze and fool proof and which will control one or more tanks. A slight elevation or mound is desirable for a location and a float chamber is built of concrete or by using a linseed oil barrel. (Fig. 16.) Since water seeks its level, the chamber is built so the float in the chamber will be of the same height or cle\·ation as the water in the tank. This level may be secured by using a spirit level and setting stakes or by a drainage level. The float valve is set as in the tank and since the chamber is

19

covered and buried, a sealed crockery jug or large bottle lvill serve as well as the copper float.

The float chamber should be kept within a reasonable distance from the tank. It should be large enough so that the float valve may be easily set. The pipe from the float chamber to the tank should be % inch or larger, to reduce the friction so that the tank lvill quickly fill up when animals are drinking. This pipe should be taken from the bottom of the float chamber and enter the bottom of the tank to avoid freezing.

These float controls have been in successful use in Iowa for several years. After once set and regulated, the control should be covered with a slab having a small pipe vent and it may then be covered with earth. A number of tanks may be controlled by one float centrally located.

I Fig. 16. Float control for stock tank.

l\IISCELLANEOUS FEEDING EQUIPMENT.

:Many pieces of home built cattle feeding equipment may be listed under this head. Only the more important equipment will be discussed, such as stocks, crates, scales pens, manure pit, dipping vat, feed carts and feedlot'!.

CATTLE STOCKS

No large feedlot is complete without a set of cattle stock'!. They may be used for swinging injured animals, for hoof trim­ming or dehorning.

A serviceable set of stocks is shown in fig. 17, which may be built by any carpenter or handy man. The timbers, which are large, should be framed together and pinned or bolted.

The tie sill should extend at least three feet in fronf of the stocks. It rests upon 2~x6~ set on edge, which is flush with the

20

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ePr~ TO eoPPGRT ewrne~~r

4' PIP!: ROZ.I.l!!:R ,,..,.. :PI~

L.=,.d..!:::!:===~:y-r 1:=:::====-::re·..ts· ... ,.o. Tn::· orz.z. M-=...--"'-. .JSOI."T

Flg. 17. Cattle stocks.

BILL OF MATERIALS FOR CATI'LE STOCKS (Fie. 17.)

Concrete Base 1 ¥.a cu. yds. concrete f 10 bags cement %, cu. yds. sand

2 pieces sills 9 pieces floor 2 pieces tie sills 2 pieces guards (umlersill) 4 pieces posts 2 pieces tie beams 1 pieces cross tie 3 pieces front 4 pieces stanchion rails 2 pieces stanchions 4 pieces braces 4 pieces cleats

12 bolts 4 bolts 2 bolts (tie) 2 rollers 4 spindles

10 lbs. assorted nails 1 gallon paint 1 swing

6"x6"x7'·0" 2"x10"x4'·3" 6"x8"x12'·0~ 2"'x6"x7'-0'" 6"x6"x8'·0" 6"x6"x7'·0" 6"x6"x4' ·0" 2"x6"x4"·3" 2"x6"x4' ·3" 2"x6''x5' -0" 4nx4"x3'·0~

1 "x2"x3' -0'' 1¥.a"xl2' ¥.a"x8" ¥.anx4'·4"

1% cu. yds. pebbles

4" pipe 4'·9" long 11,4n pipe 18" long

21

inside face of the tie siii. This prevents the animals' feet from slipping under the sill.

The stanchions are made from 2"x6" oak and are held in place by %" bolts or pins. Additional holes are provided for ad­justment.

The rollers for supporting a canvas swing are made of 4" wrought iron pipe with a smaller pipe in the ends for axle spindles. These are held in place by filling the large pipe with eon crete.

The stocks should be built of durable timber which has been thoroly seasoned. It should be kept painted. A roof built over the stocks will make them more serviceable and lengthen their life. Frequently, however, the stocks are built in a shed or barn.

SHIPPING CRATE

Shipping crates should be strong, light in weight and serv­iceable and at the same time stable and occupy the least amount -of floor space. A serviceable crate is shown in fig. 18. The ani­mal's head is kept low to pre\'ent its jumping out. White pine is a desirable wood for the shipping crate, since it is easily worked, light and strong.

The dimensions and amount of material will depend upon the size of the animal. The shape of the crate may be as shmrn or full. Some shippers prefer to keep the animal's head do\rn to prevent crowding or jumping, while others allow the animal more freedom.

A tight floor sl10uld be used and it should be firmly nailed to the 2"x4" sills. For small animals the side sills are sufficient, but an intermediate sill should be used for large, heavy ani­mals. The uprights are 2"x4" and the crating should be l"x4" .and rx6", No. 2 white pine. No. 2 white pine should be used thntout for strength and for a light weight crate.

A-

~ ~ -'1: ~S ~- ..... /" ·>-..,

-:.-------------=:: Id"1<~~ :::- -~ 11'::2'-~

=----- --rt ~:::::----: ::::--- --~ ::::--~

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Fig. 18. Shipping crate.

22

HCALE PEN

The farm scale is 1m important piece of equipment on most farmsteads. It is most efficient when it has a pen which may be set up quickly when weighing loose animals or thrown aside when weighing a loaded wagon of loose hay. A pen which has these features is shown in fig. 19. It has been used some years and has proved to be satisfactory in every way.

The sides are built of four uprights of 2"x6"x8'-0" oak and eight 1Y8"x6"x16'-if boards for each. The boards are spaced as shown in the side elevation of fig. 19, and set in uprights as shown in the cross section. The bottoms of the uprights are cut off at an angle of 60 degrees (cut 7 to 12) and serve as stops or rests for the side when thrown back for weighing hay.

5::E!:AM 80X

n fl n r

P't..OOR

ll u u J:

•PLA.l'i· Fig. 19a. Floor plan of scale pen .

.A tenon was placed on top of each upright and the cross ties were mortised and held the tops together. .A 14H gate binge was bolted to each upright and the post part of the hinge was :screwed thru the floor into the sill. The pins of three of these hinged parts extend in the same direction and the fourth is turned in an opposite direction. This holds the side in place .and prevents shifting by the animals. The side is set in place by slipping the hinges on the three pins, then bolting on the fourth hinge. It is removed by unbolting this hinge.

The end gates are built as shown in the end elevation and are hinged to each side. This permits a one-man pen, because the

\n ' \ \\ ' ' . \ ' \II • \ \ •• 'll> ' \ ......

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23

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Fig. t!lb. Cross section or scale pen, plan and side and end elevations ot which are shown In figs. 19a, c and d.

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Fig. 19e. Side elevation or seale pen, cross section of which appears above.

24

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gates hold the sides upright during the time and after the cross ties are removed. The gates are then opened so they are in line with the side and the whole thrown back; then the gate is lifted from its hinges and set aside. The second side is handled in a like manner. Two men can work to a slight advantage in removing the pen, since the gates can be removed before laying the sides back.

Since most scales are built in the open, cypress boards and <1ak uprights, when given reasonable care and painting, will out-last two or more floors.

'Vhen building this pen in a scale house, sufficient space must be allowed to permit the sides to drop back. The cut at the bot­tom may be made at a less angle. Hinges should be placed so a full bracing is given on rake cut of uprights when thrown back.

BILL OF MATERIALS, RC.\LE PEN (Fi~:. 19.)

Platform S'xH' All materials S 4 S 8 pieces uprights 4 pieces cross ties

.16 pieces side fencing 8 pieces end fencing 4 pieces uprights :! pieces end braces

'96 bolts gates 16 bolts cross ties

4 pair 14" ~tate hingea :24 bolts for hinge

1 gallon paint

2"x6"x8'·9" oak :rxG"xS' -0" oak 1%"x6"xl4'·0" eypress 1 %-x6"x16'·0" cypress 11k"x6"xl4' ·0" eypress 1 %-x6"x18'·0" cypress %"x4" 5/16"x6"

%"'x6lf.z" (to fit hinges)

4 lbs. assorted nails Sd, lOd, and l:ld

25

MANURE PIT

Manure is a valuable by-product in feeding. To secure the greatest benefit, it should be propcr·ly stored, since it is im­possible and impractical to remove it to the fields each day. Some reeeptacle must be provided in which it may be placed until hauled out. The manure pit best fills this need. It con­sists of a concrete tank or pit built partially or wholly below grade. The manure is dumped into this and removed at con­venient times.

The manure pit should he large enough to <'arc for the greatest amount likely to accumulate at any time. The manure !'hou1d

I ~(}

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- ·----·----·---------·----·-- f--·------· ~ ~

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Fig. !!Oa. l'lan and !!ide cle\·ation of manure pit.

26

Oprnlns­

tolf=J:::!!::=:=!!j 0,0, ':.- 7'4-.

"" ~. - ... -·-.; .

Fig. 20b. Cross section of manure pit.

UILL OF MATERIALS FOR MANURE PIT (Fig. 20,)

(Size 16'x24'x6' deep)

Concrete footing 5" 1loor 6" wall

6 pieces bed plate 10 bolts (plate to waH) 24 pieces studs 26 pieces rafters

4 pieces wall plate 2 pieces wall plate 6 pieces gable framing 4 pieces sash (glazed) 4 pieces til's 1 piei'C 2 door~< 2 doors

20 cu. ft. 20 cu. ft.

300 bd. ft. drop siding 600 bd. ft. shiplap

6 rolls roofing 50 pounds nails, assorted

1 gallon paint

PIT

1 cu. yd. ·14 cu .. yds. ~yds. _ ~ 140 bags cement 22 cu. vds. 11 cu. yds. sand

• 22 cu. yds. pebble11

SHELTER SHED

2"x6"x12' -0" ¥.:"x12" 2"x-t•'x3' ·tr" 2"x4"xl0'-0" 2"x6"xl2' -0"' 2~x6"x16' ·0" 2"x4"x16' ·0" 9 light 8"x10"xl %" anrl frames l"x8"x12'·0" 1 "x6"x16' ·0" 3'x7'·6" fmmes and tr'lck 3'x8' frames and track l"'x3" corner trim l"x4" corner trim

27

be protected from freezing, leaching out and burning. A shed built over the pit affords this protection and if carefully built will keep out flies and prevent their breeding in the manure. It should be closed tightly, should be light and screened.

A well planned manure pit is sho'vn in fig. 20. This pit is designed for a sloping site with an incline for backing a spreader in on the low side. The pit walls are built of concrete with a frame structure built on this for shelter. The pit may be ven­tilated by placing shield windows and screened louvers in gables, or by using hog house ventilators on the roof.

DIPPING. VAT

While the dipping vat is not generally used in the feeding plant, it is in occasional demand. A concrete dipping vat is shown in fig. 21, with general dimensions. The size shown is large enough for hogs, sheep and young stock. The dimensions should be increased for heavy feeders and breeding stock. For the average feeders the width should be at least 3' .(f' at top and 20 inches or more at the bottom. The length should also be increased to 7' -6" or more and the depth to 5' -0".

The location of the dipping vat is important. The fences of the run must be strong to prevent animals breaking out. Drain~ age is essential to draw off the dip and to remove the surface warer which will run in from rains.

No bill of material is given because of the variations in sizes. The size shown will require about four cubic yards of concrete or 25 bags of cement, two cubic yards of sand and four cubic yards of pebbles for a 1 :2 :4 mixture.

Fig. 21. Dipping vat.

28 SILAGE CARRIERS AND CARTS

In the feed lots shown in fig. 24, a carrier was used to splendid advantage. The bunks were built with high posts which support the track.

A cart may be used over the bunks as shown in fig. 22. In this case the cm·t was home-made. The bunks were in line and the trough fronts and the horizontal member from post to post above the trough were placed inside of the posts so they would serve as a track for the cart, which was equipped with small flange wheels. This car was run under the silo chute, filled and the silage raked out as it was pushed over the bunks.

This cart was run on the top side of the rails of the bunks. but it could be ret down on the trough fronts, which were also set on the inside of the posts. The labor of lifting the silage to top of the bunks was ~aved when the silage was low in the silo. The axle shaft should not extend beyond the face of the wheel, to allow sufficient clearance for the cart.

Only a small amount of materials is required if the bunks pel'lltit the rails and trough fronts to be used as a track. The small flange wheels may be secured from a junk yard or heavy hardware dealer. They should be small, about 6" or 8w in di­ameter. A pipe would serve as axles and a large packing box for body of cart.

Fig. :!:!. Feed cart over bunks.

29

Fig. 23. Feed cart ln place ln alley.

Another feed cart is sl10wn in fig. 23 which is similar to the above, but adapted to a center alley manger. The center of the alley is elevated about four inches above the floor of the troughs, which permit'! the flange wheels of the cart to rnn on the edge as a track. If the boards are uneven, a thin metal strip may be used, %, " wagon box iron, to protect the edge and save wear. The flange wheels of this cart are placed with flanges on the outside.

The rear end of the body box is left open so that the silage may be raked out. By placing a diamond shaped frame on the under side of the box, the ensilage may be pushed into the feed trough on the return trip to the silo chute. Grain may be dis­tributed easily with this cart.

FEEDLOT OR PADDOCKS

Each feeder lms the problem of arranging his lots to suit his conditions and best scn·e his purpose by keeping tlte labor re­duced. A cattle feeding plant is shown in fig. 24, which was designed in cooperation with a large feeder in westcm Iowa. A crescent-shaped, high hill sheltered a maple grove on the south­east. The lots were located in this sheltered area and arranged as shown. Silos were located and a row of permanent bunks

30

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31

with feed carrier track was located on the center line. This track passed between double cribs, thru the feed room into which the silo chutes emptied, to a grain bin at the west end of the lots. Alfalfa was rickcd in a line north and south of the silos and these ricks separated the lots.

A scale pen and hog lot with feeding floor were placed south of crib. By making a drive on the west and south, the scales were accessible to all feed lots. Cattle in the feed lot were driven thru the hog lot and drive. A section of movable bunks was placed at each side of the feed room and a grain bin at the west end. This was desirable at silo filling time and when weighing cattle in lot one.

The object of this arrangement was to feed the cattle quickly at the least expense of labor. The carrier was filled with grain at the cribs or the east grain bin. This bin was connected to the elevator in the cribs by means of a gravity chute. The grain was distributed in bunks between loto; two and four. Silage was then loaded into the carrier, and was distributed in the bunks between lots one and three. The carrier was then loaded with grain from the west bin and the grain distributed in the bunks between lots one and three. Silage was again loaded in the car­rier and distributed in the bunks between lots two and four. One trip and return was sufficient to sen•e the four lots of cattle with both silage and grain.

Cattle in the early feeding stage, requiring the least grain, were placed in lots one and three. All four lots were kept in roughage, which was thrown from the ricks directly into food racks.

The bunks were built to allow the hogs to circulate under them to pick up all grain which fell thru. They also prevented rats from harboring about the feedlots.

While this plant may not be adaptable to many feed lots, it shows that careful planning will save labor and that all re­sources sneh as shelter from hill and hay ricks should be utilized to best ad\'antage.